The Reptiles and Amphibians of Utah

Description: Brown, tan, gray, or olive base color sometimes with a greenish tint. Blotching extends down the dorsal and becomes more banded toward the tail. Blotches are variable in shape including round, barred, hour-glass, or paired spots. Blotching is darker brown bordered with white scales. One to two rows of slightly less defined lateral blotching. A dark bar passes between and through the eyes to the back of the jaw. This bar is outlined in white or cream giving this snake a “masked” look. The scales are keeled.  

Size: A large heavy-bodied snake averaging 3 to 4 feet in length. 

Range and Habitat: This snake occurs on the Colorado Plateau in San Juan County. It inhabits grasslands and semi-desert shrublands. It can be found below 8,000 feet in elevation. 

Similar Species: The other rattlesnakes in Utah can be similar in color and pattern. This species overlaps in range with the Great Basin Rattlesnake (abyssus), and Midget Faded Rattlesnake in the area of Lake Powell. These species can be very difficult to tell apart due to suspected interbreeding between them in this area.